Adults & Families

Find Your ACE Score

Abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction causes trauma that makes for a rough childhood.

As you answer these 10 questions, note the number of "yes" answers you have. This is your ACE score.

The higher your ACE score, the higher your risk for health problems later in life.

Note: Your ACE score addresses one risk factor only. Genetics, diet and exercise, alcohol and tobacco use are some of the other major influences on your overall health.

Before your 18th birthday…

1. Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often…

Swear at you, insult you, put you down, or humiliate you?
OR
Act in a way that made you afraid that you might be physically hurt?

Yes

No

2. Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often…

Push, grab, slap, or throw something at you?
OR
Ever hit you so hard that you had marks or were injured?

Yes

No

3. Did a parent or other adult in the household often or very often…

Touch or fondle you or have you touch their body in a sexual way?
OR
Attempt or actually have oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with you?

Yes

No

4. Did you often or very often feel that…

No one in your family loved you or thought you were important or special?
OR
Your family didn't look out for each other, feel close to each other, or support each other?

Yes

No

5. Did you often or very often feel that…

You didn't have enough to eat, had to wear dirty clothes, and had no one to protect you?
OR
Your parents were too drunk or high to take care of you or take you to the doctor if you needed it?

Yes

No

6. Was a biological parent ever lost to you through divorce, abandonment, or other reason?

Yes

No

7. Was your mother or stepmother…

Often or very often pushed, grabbed, slapped or had something thrown at her?
OR
Sometimes, often or very often kicked, bitten, hit with a fist, or hit with something hard?
OR
Ever repeatedly hit over at least a few minutes or threatened with a gun or knife?

Yes

No

8. Did you live with anyone who was a problem drinker or alcoholic, or who used street drugs?

Yes

No

9. Was a household member depressed or mentally ill, or did a household member attempt suicide?

Yes

No

10. Did a household member go to prison?

Yes

No

Count up the number of "yes" answers you have. That total is your ACE score.

The higher the number, the higher your risk for serious health issues.